Sportblog + Scottish Premiership | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog+football/scottish-premiership
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017Tue, 26 Sep 2017 22:20:17 GMT2017-09-26T22:20:17Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Premier League and much more: 10 things to look out for this weekendhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/apr/28/premier-league-and-much-more-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekend
<p>Romelu Lukaku has a big chance to make an impact against Chelsea, Hull City battle against history and Rangers seek to end Old Firm derby drought</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/27/tottenham-arsenal-pochettino-derby-white-hart-lane-espanyol-barcelona">Tottenham clash with Arsenal takes Pochettino back to another demolition derby | David Hytner</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/27/joey-barton-football-association-ban-gambling">Joey Barton’s ban for gambling on football was ‘shortest possible’, says FA</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/apr/28/premier-league-and-much-more-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekend">Continue reading...</a>FootballSportPremier LeagueLeague OneLeague TwoScottish PremiershipFri, 28 Apr 2017 08:22:28 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/apr/28/premier-league-and-much-more-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekendPhotograph: Rex Shutterstock, AP, Getty ImagesPhotograph: Rex Shutterstock, AP, Getty ImagesPaul Doyle, Scott Murray and Simon Burnton2017-04-28T08:22:28ZHats off to Brendan Rodgers, who has taken Celtic to another level | Ewan Murrayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/30/brendan-rodgers-celtic-liverpool-premiership-title-parkhead
Former Liverpool manager had the courage to join a one-horse race at Parkhead and after wrapping up the Scottish Premiership title has a rare Treble in his sights<p>That <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/02/hearts-celtic-scottish-premiership-match-report" title="">retaining the Scottish title</a> was a given for Brendan Rodgers when he took control at Celtic should not detract from the manner of that accomplishment. The fans will cherish a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2017/apr/02/hearts-v-celtic-scottish-premiership-live?page=with%3Ablock-58e0db86e4b0a411e9abad9a" title="">sixth title in a row</a> – and well they might. The approach of the Celtic players from the first minute of this season, added to memory of the 1990s when those supporters looked on as Rangers lorded it over all and sundry, will contribute to worthwhile celebration.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/02/hearts-celtic-scottish-premiership-match-report">Five-star Celtic dispatch Hearts to secure Scottish Premiership title</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/30/brendan-rodgers-celtic-liverpool-premiership-title-parkhead">Continue reading...</a>CelticBrendan RodgersScottish PremiershipFootballSportSun, 02 Apr 2017 17:02:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/30/brendan-rodgers-celtic-liverpool-premiership-title-parkheadPhotograph: Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesEwan Murray2017-04-02T17:02:52ZFA Cup, Premier League and more: 10 things to look out for this weekendhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/10/fa-cup-premier-league-and-more-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekend
<p>Millwall and Lincoln are in the mood for further upsets, José Mourinho has a tactical teaser at Chelsea and Rangers at risk of Old Firm derby embarrassment</p><p>The FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday is a fitting way for Neil Harris to celebrate two years in charge of the club he loves. Regardless of the result, the club have been upwardly mobile under Harris, the club’s all-time record goalscorer. Harris initially took caretaker charge on 10 March 2015 before <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/apr/29/neil-harris-appointed-full-time-manager-millwall">assuming the full-time position a month later</a>. Their start to this season was tricky – at the end of September they had 12 points from 10 games – but now Harris’s side are only six points off the automatic promotion places and travel to White Hart Lane on a 17-match unbeaten run. “It was about having a Millwall team,” the 39-year-old said this week of a club he felt had lost their identity. “That is not necessarily the best players – but ones who the fans could identify with. That is not football – it is effort, desire, running.” While the priority for the Lions is to find a passage back to the Championship, there is no reason Harris’s modern-day Millwall – who have already gobbled up and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/07/millwall-bournemouth-fa-cup-match-report">spat out Bournemouth</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/29/millwall-watford-fa-cup-fourth-round-match-report">Watford</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/18/millwall-leicester-city-fa-cup-match-report">Leicester City</a> in this competition – cannot upset another top-flight side. <strong>BF<br></strong><br>• <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/09/harry-kane-loan-millwall-tottenham-fa-cup">David Hytner: how Kane’s loan kept Millwall up and made him a man</a><br>• <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/19/leicester-city-millwall-fa-cup-neil-harris">Leicester caught us a bad time, says Millwall manager Harris</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/audio/2017/mar/09/barcelona-complete-their-mission-impossible-football-weekly-extra">Barcelona complete their mission impossible – Football Weekly Extra</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/07/danny-cowley-lincoln-city-arsenal-fa-cup">Lincoln’s Danny Cowley: ‘We have one-in-1,000 chance at Arsenal but we can do it’</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/10/fa-cup-premier-league-and-more-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekend">Continue reading...</a>FootballPremier LeagueScottish PremiershipFA CupSportChelseaManchester UnitedMillwallLincolnSwansea CityHull CityCelticRangersHuddersfieldBournemouthWest Bromwich AlbionLiverpoolMiddlesbroughWest Ham UnitedFri, 10 Mar 2017 08:23:55 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/10/fa-cup-premier-league-and-more-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekendComposite: Rex/Shutterstock; Getty Image; PAComposite: Rex/Shutterstock; Getty Image; PAGregg Bakowski, Ben Fisher and Barry Glendenning2017-03-10T08:23:55ZTommy Gemmell and Dundee United anniversary reminders of a lost world | Barney Ronayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/03/tommy-gemmell-dundee-united-anniversary-football
It is 30 years since Dundee United’s Uefa Cup quarter-final victory over Barcelona – and the reason for marking it now is the basic impossibity of it happening again<p>One of the nice things about paddling about in the vast sea of old football on the internet is the way everything remains the same in outline – flags, goals, grass, stands – but is also completely different: every surface made over and retouched, like the broom that changed its head and handle every six months for 30 years but somehow remains basically the same&nbsp;broom.</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/02/celtic-lisbon-lion-inter-milan-european-cup-winner-tommy-gemmell-died" title="">Tommy Gemmell</a> died this week aged 73 and will be remembered before Celtic’s match with St Mirren on Sunday. Looking back at his two European Cup finals with Celtic it is startling how alien but also familiar that lost world looks now with its square-cut wooden posts, wide open stands and leaping, skinny photographers in ties and suits. Gemmell himself looks modern, a beautifully light and limber&nbsp;footballer,&nbsp;skating across the mud to plant the ball into the bottom corner from pretty much the same spot, first in Lisbon in 1967 and then in defeat to Feyenoord at the San Siro three years&nbsp;later.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/02/celtic-lisbon-lion-inter-milan-european-cup-winner-tommy-gemmell-died">Tommy Gemmell, Celtic hero and ‘Lisbon Lion’, has died after a long illness</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/feb/11/mark-warburton-rangers-departure-dave-king-spl">Mark Warburton carries the can for deeper malaise troubling Rangers | Ewan Murray</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/03/tommy-gemmell-dundee-united-anniversary-football">Continue reading...</a>Dundee UnitedScottish PremiershipFootballSportFri, 03 Mar 2017 14:57:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/03/tommy-gemmell-dundee-united-anniversary-footballIllustration: Robin HursthouseIllustration: Robin HursthouseBarney Ronay2017-03-03T14:57:01ZMark Warburton carries the can for deeper malaise troubling Rangers | Ewan Murrayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/feb/11/mark-warburton-rangers-departure-dave-king-spl
Englishman heads for the exit at Ibrox but he had to contend with financial problems, lack of boardroom support – and Celtic’s crushing superiority<p>The outcome necessary to endorse Mark Warburton’s status as the Rangers manager will never arrive. Likewise, those sceptical about the 54-year-old’s ability to deliver a perfectly acceptable return at the end of this, Rangers’ first season back in Scottish football’s top flight, will never be able to speak with certainty.</p><p>Such a state of flux rather sums up events at Ibrox, almost five years to the day since administration sent both Rangers and the Scottish game into such a tailspin that neither would ever be the same again.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/10/mark-warburton-rangers-manager-club-statement">Rangers announce Mark Warburton’s resignation – despite manager’s denial</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/nov/11/joey-barton-rangers-divorce">Fault lies on both sides in Joey Barton’s messy divorce from Rangers | Ewan Murray</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/07/rangers-dave-king-attacks-mike-ashley-club-retail-firm">Rangers’ Dave King attacks Mike Ashley for quitting club’s retail firm</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/feb/11/mark-warburton-rangers-departure-dave-king-spl">Continue reading...</a>RangersScottish PremiershipFootballSportSat, 11 Feb 2017 14:37:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/feb/11/mark-warburton-rangers-departure-dave-king-splPhotograph: Russell Cheyne/ReutersPhotograph: Russell Cheyne/ReutersEwan Murray2017-02-11T14:37:12ZIan Cathro debate shows Scottish football is still in the dark age | Ewan Murrayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/dec/06/scottish-football-hearts-ian-cathro-sfa-malky-mackay
Hearts’ appointment of a young, innovative head coach in Ian Cathro should be applauded, but the reaction from many in the game was all too predictable<p>Sometimes the feeling prevails that Scottish football deserves all it gets. Certainly, when asking why the country’s national sport has been reduced to laughing‑stock status for so long, events of recent weeks would serve as a useful reference point. Where the attitude of the dark age is so prominent, where hypocrisy is rife, it really is no shock that Scotland continues to fail.</p><p>Heart of Midlothian’s courting of Ian Cathro as the head coach to replace Robbie Neilson triggered some quite astonishing coverage. Cathro, at 30, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/05/hearts-ian-cathro-newcastle-tynecastle" title="">has now taken over at the Edinburgh club</a>. He has realised the extent to which pre‑conceived agenda hits home, not that, thankfully, anybody who knows Cathro thinks he will care one jot.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/05/hearts-ian-cathro-newcastle-tynecastle">Hearts appoint Ian Cathro as their new head coach</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/dec/06/scottish-football-hearts-ian-cathro-sfa-malky-mackay">Continue reading...</a>HeartsScottish PremiershipFootballSportTue, 06 Dec 2016 14:16:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/dec/06/scottish-football-hearts-ian-cathro-sfa-malky-mackayPhotograph: Andrew Milligan/PAPhotograph: Andrew Milligan/PAEwan Murray2016-12-06T14:16:00ZFault lies on both sides in Joey Barton’s messy divorce from Rangers | Ewan Murrayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/nov/11/joey-barton-rangers-divorce
Barton joins the group of the worst Scottish football signings in the modern era but the Old Firm club knew they were recruiting a high-maintenance player<p>Apparently, everyone knew this would happen except that, in reality, they did not. There were no grand pronouncements that Joey Barton and Rangers would be consigned to a messy divorce before Christmas carols were on the agenda. After eight appearances, one yellow card and a training ground rumpus, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/10/rangers-terminate-joey-barton-contract-immediate-effect" title="">the Barton and Rangers alliance is no more.</a> Life around Joey was never dull.</p><p>There is a sadness attached to this. Barton should have enhanced the Scottish football scene, on and off the field. He has the talent and character for both aspects. Instead, you missed his turning out in a blue shirt with one blink, just as he never immersed himself at all in the lively and engaging city that is Glasgow. Barton himself probably regrets the latter aspect in particular.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/19/joey-barton-interview-conflict-rangers">Joey Barton: ‘If someone is looking for conflict I won’t shy away from it – ever’ | Donald McRae</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/nov/11/joey-barton-rangers-divorce">Continue reading...</a>Joey BartonRangersFootballScottish PremiershipSportFri, 11 Nov 2016 11:49:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/nov/11/joey-barton-rangers-divorcePhotograph: Lynne Cameron/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Lynne Cameron/Getty ImagesEwan Murray2016-11-11T11:49:19ZBrendan Rodgers poised to reap benefit from Celtic’s Premiership primacyhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/05/brendan-rodgers-celtic-premiership-rangers
<p>Champions are overwhelming favourites to win their sixth title in a row in a season when Rangers make their return to the Premiership after four years</p><p>The recurring criticism levelled against Brendan Rodgers will surely vanish within one season of managing Celtic. After all, should the 43-year-old’s attempt to win major silverware run into a second season in Scotland then serious questions must be asked regarding his capabilities.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/05/manchester-city-pep-guardiola-champions-league">Manchester City draw Steaua Bucharest in Champions League play-offs</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/03/celtic-astana-champions-league-third-qualifying-round-match-report">Celtic advance in Champions League thanks to Moussa Dembélé’s penalty</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/05/brendan-rodgers-celtic-premiership-rangers">Continue reading...</a>Scottish PremiershipFootballCelticRangersHeartsAberdeenBrendan RodgersSportFri, 05 Aug 2016 22:18:28 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/05/brendan-rodgers-celtic-premiership-rangersPhotograph: Jane Barlow/PAPhotograph: Jane Barlow/PAEwan Murray2016-08-05T22:18:28ZCeltic have major rebuilding to be done after Ronny Deila’s departure | Ewan Murrayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/apr/20/celtic-ronny-deila-new-manager-david-moyes-roy-keane-scottish-football
Deila has left a bloated and lopsided squad in dire need of reform but will managers such as David Moyes or Roy Keane want to take on the task?<p>Although defeat by Rangers may have fast-tracked Celtic’s statement regarding <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/20/celtic-confirm-under-fire-manager-ronny-deila-will-leave-at-end-of-season" title="">the departure of Ronny Deila</a>, nobody should be fooled that <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/apr/17/rangers-v-celtic-scottish-cup-semi-final-live" title="">Sunday’s result</a> precipitated his exit. Celtic’s board – a suddenly much-maligned Celtic board – is due credit for persisting with a project which was clearly destined for failure but it knew some time ago that change in the summer of 2016 would have to come. Even Deila could be trusted with retaining the title in Scotland’s top flight – hence no necessity for earlier action.</p><p>This was hardly an expensive experiment – absence of considerable European revenue notwithstanding – but one which sadly highlighted Celtic’s gradual regression from the wonderful high point of qualification for the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/mar/06/juventus-celtic-champions-league-report" title="">last 16 of the Champions League in 2012-13</a>. Deila would never have been seriously contemplated as a Celtic managerial appointment before that and every element of evidence quickly highlighted that it was a mistake to turn to him a little over a year later.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/20/celtic-confirm-under-fire-manager-ronny-deila-will-leave-at-end-of-season">Celtic confirm under-fire manager Ronny Deila will leave at end of season</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/apr/20/celtic-ronny-deila-new-manager-david-moyes-roy-keane-scottish-football">Continue reading...</a>CelticScottish PremiershipFootballSportWed, 20 Apr 2016 14:52:30 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/apr/20/celtic-ronny-deila-new-manager-david-moyes-roy-keane-scottish-footballPhotograph: Richard Lee/BPI/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Richard Lee/BPI/REX/ShutterstockEwan Murray2016-04-20T14:52:30ZIt is now a question of when not if Celtic look beyond Ronny Deila | Ewan Murrayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/feb/06/celtic-ronny-deila-moyes-oneill-stubbs
The Celtic job is unlikely to appeal to David Moyes, and Michael O’Neill may not be available soon enough so Alan Stubbs’ progress should not be ignored<p>If the ending of a relationship requires more bravery than continuing in uneasy alliance, the time may be nearing for Celtic’s board to display their courage. As always timing is key to the capacity to move forward.</p><p>The willingness of those directors to indulge the methods of Ronny Deila has been admirable. Deila’s bluster remains intact despite a wounding week. The unwillingness of others to endorse him, publicly or privately, is telling and more pertinent than the manager’s latest hollow words.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/03/aberdeen-celtic-scottish-premiership-match-report">Aberdeen stun Celtic to close gap at top of Premiership to three points</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/feb/06/celtic-ronny-deila-moyes-oneill-stubbs">Continue reading...</a>CelticScottish PremiershipFootballSportSat, 06 Feb 2016 20:00:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/feb/06/celtic-ronny-deila-moyes-oneill-stubbsPhotograph: Lee Smith/ReutersPhotograph: Lee Smith/ReutersEwan Murray2016-02-06T20:00:21ZAberdeen can get serious and heap pressure on Celtic’s Ronny Deila | Ewan Murrayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/feb/03/aberdeen-celtic-scottish-premiership-ronny-deila
Wednesday night’s top-of-the-table encounter could nudge the exit door open for the Parkhead manager. But it is folly to rule out another response to adversity<p>Aberdeen have cause to rue what might have been. A curiously dismal league run from late September led to Derek McInnes’s team losing four out of five matches; they drew the odd one out. As they approach Wednesday evening’s meeting of Celtic, still within touching distance only <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/16/ronny-deila-celtic-six-point-gap-aberdeen-scottish-premiership" title="">six points behind the reigning champions</a>, contentment over this position will be offset by frustration. This could be an altogether different, genuinely exciting movie, not quite on the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2016/feb/03/leicester-city-claudio-ranieri-jamie-vardy-goal-liverpool-video" title="">scale of Leicester City</a> but similar in capturing a broader public opinion.</p><p>One of Celtic’s strengths in recent times has been an ability to respond after wounding events. Ronny Deila will unquestionably draw on that again, as the follow-up to a dreadful Hampden Sunday afternoon which saw <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/31/ross-county-celtic-scottish-league-cup-semi-final-match-report" title="">Celtic bundled out of the League Cup by Ross County</a>. This didn’t so much raise questions over Deila’s position as enhance the notion that his appointment was fundamentally flawed in the first place.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/03/which-players-have-tattoos-of-their-former-clubs">Which footballers have tattoos of their former clubs? | The Knowledge</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/feb/03/aberdeen-celtic-scottish-premiership-ronny-deila">Continue reading...</a>AberdeenCelticScottish PremiershipFootballSportWed, 03 Feb 2016 12:27:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/feb/03/aberdeen-celtic-scottish-premiership-ronny-deilaPhotograph: Graham Stuart/ReutersPhotograph: Graham Stuart/ReutersEwan Murray2016-02-03T12:27:08ZCeltic will win Scottish Premiership but hope springs eternal for the rest | Ewan Murrayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jul/31/celtic-scottish-premiership-hope-springs-eternal
Celtic team are 1-33 to win the title again but despite the unease around Scottish football there remains optimism at the start of a new season<p>Scottish football does not exactly celebrate diminishing standards but it has been forced to accept them.</p><p>Inverness enjoyed the finest season of their short history in 2014-15 and lost one of their star players, Marley Watkins, to Barnsley for a 400% salary increase. Earlier, the main striker at the Premiership’s third footballing force, Billy McKay, left for League One-bound Wigan Athletic. He has thus far made little impression.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/19/scottish-premiership-2015-16-fixtures-celtic">Scottish Premiership 2015-16 fixtures: Celtic kick off against Ross County</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jul/31/celtic-scottish-premiership-hope-springs-eternal">Continue reading...</a>Scottish PremiershipCelticAberdeenDundee UnitedDundeeRoss CountyHeartsKilmarnockPartickMotherwellHamiltonInverness Caledonian ThistleSt JohnstoneFootballSportFri, 31 Jul 2015 11:29:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jul/31/celtic-scottish-premiership-hope-springs-eternalPhotograph: Graham Stuart/Action ImagesThe Celtic manager, Ronny Deila, will likely be celebrating again this season, but who will be the best of the rest in Scotland? Photograph: Graham Stuart/Action ImagesPhotograph: Graham Stuart/Action ImagesThe Celtic manager, Ronny Deila, will likely be celebrating again this season, but who will be the best of the rest in Scotland? Photograph: Graham Stuart/Action ImagesEwan Murray2015-07-31T11:29:40ZCeltic land league title but side cannot be judged alongside greats | Ewan Murrayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/02/celtic-scottish-premiership-title-side-cannot-judged-greats
Ronny Deila’s men did what was required in the Scottish Premiership this season but their performances in Europe suggest they have a long way to go<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/01/celtic-dundee-scottish-premiership-match-report" title="">• Scottish Premiership match report: Celtic 5-0 Dundee</a><p>It is possible to manage badly on resources which dwarf those of the opposition. Celtic fans need only look back to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/25/tony-mowbray-celtic-part-company">the tenure of Tony Mowbray, which was unceremoniously cut short after a 4-0 defeat at St Mirren</a>, to realise that.</p><p>But at the same time it would be illogical to ignore the gulf in finance and personnel between Celtic and the remainder of Scottish football when assessing Ronny Deila’s maiden championship win – a success which was not so much predicted as widely accepted before a ball was kicked.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/02/dundee-united-aberdeen-scottish-premiership-match-report">Dundee United 1-0 Aberdeen | Scottish Premiership match report</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/02/celtic-scottish-premiership-title-side-cannot-judged-greats">Continue reading...</a>CelticScottish PremiershipFootballSportSat, 02 May 2015 15:52:14 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/02/celtic-scottish-premiership-title-side-cannot-judged-greatsPhotograph: Jeff Holmes/PACeltic's Leigh Griffiths celebrates with Efe Ambrose and Stefan Johansen after scoring against Dundee. Photograph: Jeff Holmes/PAPhotograph: Jeff Holmes/PACeltic's Leigh Griffiths celebrates with Efe Ambrose and Stefan Johansen after scoring against Dundee. Photograph: Jeff Holmes/PAEwan Murray2015-05-02T15:52:14ZThe best goals of the week: Neymar, Robert Lewandowski and David Villahttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/apr/14/best-goals-week-neymar-robert-lewandowski-david-villa
<p>Featuring a headers-and-volleys dream goal from Atalanta, a goalkeeper scoring from his own six-yard box, a splendid chip from Sweden, a glorious long-ranger from China and a selection of free-kicks from Germany, Spain and France</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbjQV3Y-g8M">Star Nicola (GROBMING v Tus Admont)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSqQer3jZSI">Craig Slater (KILMARNOCK v Aberdeen)</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/apr/14/best-goals-week-neymar-robert-lewandowski-david-villa">Continue reading...</a>FootballSportScottish PremiershipBundesligaEuropean club footballMLSUS sportsSerie AAtalantaQueen of the SouthCologneBarcelonaNeymarBayern MunichDavid VillaNew York City FCTue, 14 Apr 2015 09:14:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/apr/14/best-goals-week-neymar-robert-lewandowski-david-villaPhotograph: Lennart Preiss/Bongarts/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Lennart Preiss/Bongarts/Getty ImagesPaul Campbell2015-04-14T09:14:01ZThe best goals of the week: Hulk, Pato, Robinho and two long-range own goalshttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/mar/03/best-goals-week-hulk-pato-robinho-two-own-goals
<p>Featuring passing moves from Glasgow, Lille and Wolverhampton, two of the best assists you will see in a long time and a couple of blasters from Israel</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/mar/03/best-goals-week-hulk-pato-robinho-two-own-goals">Continue reading...</a>FootballSportEuropean club footballScottish PremiershipPartickBayer LeverkusenLa LigaLigue 1Zenit St PetersburgTue, 03 Mar 2015 12:42:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/mar/03/best-goals-week-hulk-pato-robinho-two-own-goalsPhotograph: Mike Kireev/Mike Kireev/Demotix/CorbisPhotograph: Mike Kireev/Mike Kireev/Demotix/CorbisPaul Campbell2015-03-03T12:42:11ZScottish Premiership title is on the line as Celtic meet Aberdeen | Ewan Murrayhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/28/celtic-aberdeen-scottish-premiership-title
The Premiership’s top two teams clash is the key game this season, with the side’s separated by just three points Aberdeen have a chance to go for the title and Celtic want to make their move on a domestic treble<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/21/aberdeen-st-mirren-scottish-premiership-match-report" title="">• Aberdeen put pressure on Celtic with win at St Mirren</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/26/inter-celtic-europa-league-match-report" title="">• Internazionale knock Celtic out of Europa League</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/scottish-premiership/table" title="">• Scottish Premiership table</a><p>Ronny Deila has cause to smile when thinking of Aberdeen and not only because of the chilly familiarity and proximity to his Norwegian roots.</p><p>It was at Pittodrie in November that Celtic’s domestic season was kick-started. For once, Deila’s post-match celebration antics weren’t unjustified. Even at the time, a late Virgil Van Dijk goal appeared meaningful in the context of this Celtic campaign and Deila’s process of adaptation to Scottish football. Since then, Celtic’s only aberration was the home draw with Ross County immediately after Christmas; they are currently amid a seven-league match winning run.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/28/celtic-aberdeen-scottish-premiership-title">Continue reading...</a>Scottish PremiershipCelticAberdeenFootballSportSat, 28 Feb 2015 13:30:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/28/celtic-aberdeen-scottish-premiership-titlePhotograph: Stefano Rellandini/ReutersCeltic manager Ronny Deila faces pressure from an in-form Aberdeen when they meet in their top-of-the-Premiership clash on Sunday. Photograph: Stefano Rellandini/ReutersPhotograph: Stefano Rellandini/ReutersCeltic manager Ronny Deila faces pressure from an in-form Aberdeen when they meet in their top-of-the-Premiership clash on Sunday. Photograph: Stefano Rellandini/ReutersEwan Murray2015-02-28T13:30:01ZOur favourite things online this week: from Wimbledon views to slam dunkshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/feb/26/favourite-things-online-week-wimbledon-views-slam-dunks-lavine
<p>Featuring Enfield Town’s advertising, the essence of winners, Zach LaVine’s leaps, identical pole vaulters and the Premier League’s reluctance to pay the living wage<br></p><p>Forrest Allen, one of the foremost basketball coaches in the early 20th century, was no fan of the slam dunk. He set out his case for raising the hoop an extra two feet off the ground in an article entitled “Dunking Isn’t Basketball” for Country Gentleman magazine in 1935. “Those tall fellows were leaping at the 10-foot baskets and were literally ‘dunking’ the ball into the hoop, just as a doughnut is inelegantly dipped into the morning coffee,” he wrote, with an air of haughty despair. “And I say that is not basketball. My conception of the game is that goals should be shot and not dunked.”</p><p>The Premier League just secured a record breaking £5.14bn by selling the TV rights to their matches. However, these staggeringly wealthy football clubs still pay some of their employees less than the minimum amount needed to cover the cost of living in the UK, which is currently £9.15 per hour in London and £7.85 outside. It would take these staff 13 years to earn as much as some top players earn in a week. Do these clubs seriously expect us to believe that they can’t afford to pay their staff – who provide essential services such as cleaning, catering and stewarding – the basic amount needed to ensure a decent quality of life for them and their families? The chief executive of the Premier League, Richard Scudamore, recently indicated that he had no intention of taking action to make sure that clubs distribute their wealth equally amongst all those that make football matches possible. I am calling on Scudamore to change his mind about clubs’ obligations to their employees. I am asking him to take the lead on this issue by making the Premier League an accredited Living Wage employer and set an example to the 20 other clubs.<br></p><p>Elite athletes, at their telescoped apex, all have something in common with the way in which he whittled away everything in his being that might have distracted from the narrow scope of winning. There are no leisure activities for someone with these priorities; there is no leisure, period. If this does not seem like a club to which you’d like to belong, congratulations: you are not Arnold Palmer, or Michael Jordan, or Kobe Bryant, or Serena Williams, or Lance Armstrong. It’s not unusual for humans to hate losing, and there are plenty of athletes (and non-athletes) that value winning above anything else on earth. But while many and maybe most professional athletes fit those categories, there are others whose entire essences are signified by the idea of winning things, more things than everyone else.</p><p>“Just be original. I get guys sending folios and they look like they’ve just seen the back of a Sunday newspaper and thought ‘that’s what’s required’. If that’s what they get from their contracted agency, you’ve got to break out, you’ve got to get something that makes people think twice. If you’re mad on football and you think you’ve got a knowledge of the game, then you’ll get good pictures. But do it your way.”</p><p>This. <a href="http://t.co/0XChWVofRz">pic.twitter.com/0XChWVofRz</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/feb/26/favourite-things-online-week-wimbledon-views-slam-dunks-lavine">Continue reading...</a>SportFootballCelticScottish PremiershipTennisWimbledonWimbledon 2014Premier LeagueUS sportsBasketballLiving wageAthleticsThu, 26 Feb 2015 12:56:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/feb/26/favourite-things-online-week-wimbledon-views-slam-dunks-lavinePhotograph: Elsa/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Elsa/Getty ImagesPaul Campbell2015-02-26T12:56:13ZStifling debate on offensive Old Firm chants only encourages bigots | Daniel Taylorhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/21/debate-old-firm-rangers-celtic
A poisonous culture is deeply rooted in some parts of football and BT Sport’s decision to back away from a debate is hardly likely to help matters<p>In America, it is known as the YSA problem. It has been a bugbear of Major League Soccer’s commissioner, Don Garber, for longer than he will probably wish to remember and a couple of years ago, with a new television deal being negotiated, a memo went around that he could no longer tolerate that slightly strange tradition of supporters shouting: “You suck asshole!” every time the opposition goalkeeper took a goal-kick.</p><p>Real Salt Lake went for the naughty-step approach and warned their fans that if the song continued the club would not allow drums and banners inside the stadium, as well as halting privileges such as parking permits and discounted tickets. On the other hand, the New York Red Bulls opted for an incentive programme – bribery, to put it another way – and offered their supporters’ groups $2,000 each if they could go four games YSA-free.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/21/arsenal-arsene-wenger-scarred-monaco-marseille">Arsenal’s Arsène Wenger scarred for life by his war on Med with Monaco | Dominic Fifield </a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/21/worcester-city-shabir-khan-body-slamming-opponent">Worcester City’s Shabir Khan sees red after body-slamming opponent</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/21/jose-mourinho-chelsea-fans-paris-metro-train">José Mourinho spot-on with response to Chelsea fans’ Paris incident | Paul Wilson</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/21/debate-old-firm-rangers-celtic">Continue reading...</a>RangersCelticScottish League CupBT SportScottish ChampionshipScottish PremiershipFootballSportSat, 21 Feb 2015 20:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/21/debate-old-firm-rangers-celticPhotograph: Jeff Holmes/REXRangers and Celtic fans are not allowed to get too close to each other in the Scottish League Cup semi-final earlier this month. Photograph: Jeff Holmes/REXPhotograph: Jeff Holmes/REXRangers and Celtic fans are not allowed to get too close to each other in the Scottish League Cup semi-final earlier this month. Photograph: Jeff Holmes/REXDaniel Taylor2015-02-21T20:00:00ZThe best goals of the week: Luis Suárez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wesley Sneijderhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/16/best-goals-week-luis-suarez-zlatan-ibrahimovic-arjen-robben-wesley-sneijder
<p>Featuring an overhead kick, an outside-of-the-boot curler from a corner, a lob from the halfway line, a near-post flick, a kung-fu kick and a few blasters</p><p><a href="http://gfycat.com/HalfCautiousDuck">Riechedly Bazoer (AJAX v Twente)</a></p><p><a href="https://vine.co/v/OPQqWreeZej">Osvaldo Martínez (CLUB AMERICA v Chiapas)</a><br></p><p><a href="https://zippy.gfycat.com/IndelibleGrippingChuckwalla.webm">Lamine Gassama (Stade Reims v LORIENT)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAgWCnKOHHo">Nicholas Kanivets (Russian futsal league)</a><br></p><p><a href="https://fat.gfycat.com/DetailedSelfassuredHorse.webm">Godfred Donsah (Torino v CAGLIARI)</a><br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/16/best-goals-week-luis-suarez-zlatan-ibrahimovic-arjen-robben-wesley-sneijder">Continue reading...</a>FootballSportZlatan IbrahimovicScottish PremiershipBundesligaEuropean club footballAjaxParis Saint-GermainLuis SuárezBarcelonaBayern MunichLigue 1Mon, 16 Feb 2015 15:19:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/16/best-goals-week-luis-suarez-zlatan-ibrahimovic-arjen-robben-wesley-sneijderPhotograph: Christophe Ena/APPhotograph: Christophe Ena/APPaul Campbell2015-02-16T15:19:24ZThe best goals of the week: Arjen Robben, Pedro and Davie Selkehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/10/best-goals-week-arjen-robben-pedro-davie-selke
<p>Featuring a couple of dummies from Brazil, an overhead lob, Lionel Messi’s dribbling, a goal from the halfyway line and some classy finishes from Scotland</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/10/best-goals-week-arjen-robben-pedro-davie-selke">Continue reading...</a>FootballEuropean club footballSportBarcelonaScottish PremiershipBundesligaAberdeenBayern MunichTue, 10 Feb 2015 13:15:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/10/best-goals-week-arjen-robben-pedro-davie-selkePhotograph: Ralph Orlowski/ReutersPhotograph: Ralph Orlowski/ReutersPaul Campbell2015-02-10T13:15:23Z